If you want to see a “Spectacle” on the stage, go to Tacoma Musical Playhouse to see Anastasia. This musical is a luscious, almost edible production. There’s plenty of Russian Sturm und Drang in this production! The play opens with a young woman Anya (Alyce Campello, a rich and moving soprano), now a street sweeper […]
To Ponder
Across the Fence: Zeitnot
I had no idea that the German term Zeitnot (pronounce: ‘tsite-note, meaning time trouble) is one used in the English language when playing chess with a time control. Of course, if you have to create more and more complex moves in order to outwit your opponent, playing against a clock causes additional nervosity. And that, […]
Mavis – Looking Bad but Beginning to Feel Better
Our bodies don’t always look like what we hope for. When you’ve had three children and an ex-husband, things just get worse. After taking in all the bad stuff, I’m on the rise, even if it doesn’t appear that way. I have broken down my needs so I can keep track and not over or […]
In the Book Nook with … Bryan J. Mason
Author Bryan J. Mason lives in Bristol, England. He used to work as a tax investigator, a mediator, made sound effects for radio, and was also a rent collector, but now he is a full-time writer. Bryan wrote his first novel, Shaking Hands with the Devil, around 1990, but despite having a literary agent, failed […]
Robin, Desperately Looking for a Date
Robin was always a big bag of wind, which was difficult to be for a fairly short individual going to a well thought of University in Tacoma, Washington. Somehow, he had been swamped at work and at classes. “Well, there’s always tomorrow” was one of Robin’s fallback attacks for a date or two. Some worked, […]
Father Jeff, The Hoopster and a Dear Friend
When my parents made me go to church in Lakewood, I headed out with a smile, and ended up on the edge of a nearby lake that was an easy walk to church . . . if one wanted to actually go to church. A number of times one of my classmates would join me. […]
Letter: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Nicole Milton
Submitted by Teairrau Mason. Our beloved Nicole Milton was so much more than words can capture. She was a devoted mother to five incredible children, ages 3 to 17, and the heart of our community. Her laugh could light up a room, her kindness could soften the hardest of days, and her unwavering dedication to […]
Transformation by Leather
Years ago, a stand-up shirt or jacket collar meant you were cool . . . throw in sunglasses and a motorcycle and you had the complete set. Roberto was an Elvis wanna-be. He wanted to be cool. He wanted people to admire him. He wanted to be a star. He wanted to be looked up […]
Jennifer of the Backward Glance
I don’t know why it was or what it was . . . or still does, to make me look at Jennifer after’s she’s walked past. The smell of her perfume has done this for me and a certain look or smile has captured my attention for a minute or so from other women, but […]